This past weekend the most important car race of the year for NASCAR was run at Daytona Beach. Forty- three cars started the 500 mile race but they did not all finish the race, or in the same lap. The winner was showered with praise and presents. All the drivers competed but there could only be one winner.
There is a lesson here for life. To finish first, you must first finish. And, you can’t finish first if you do not compete. However, everyone who enters is going for the prize.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the game goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
In a way, life is like a race. Just like preparing a race car to do its best, we prepare to live the life we have and do our best. But, just like the racecars, they can have a flat tire or get in a wreck. Things happen to us that are not always our fault and we have no control over. But, the goal is to make the repairs and adjustments and keep going if you can. It’s not over till it’s over.
Another thing is that the best driver and the best team do not always win. The car that is at the finish line first in the last lap wins. During the race they must refuel and get more tires. The tires wear out and the tank gets empty. That’s why they have a pit crew ready to service the car. There is only one goal, to come in first.
In life the richest, smartest, fastest, or more intelligent don’t always win. We, as people, need refueled and new shoes like a car. We need a good pit crew, our small group. We need a good main headquarters and that is the church, the body of Christ.
Week after week we worship and praise the Lord in our Sunday services. However, the race is run during the week as we serve and witness. We must live to please God who sets the rules and determines who the winner is. Without the church we have no place to fuel up and make major repairs. We are Kingdom builders, building people to compete in the race of life and win.
Paul recorded for us this message: “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
In racing the winner gets the checkered flag, but if you are running too slow or need repairs because you are a hazard to the other racers, you are black-flagged. You must leave the race until you meet the requirements or rules.
Have you ever been black-flagged by God? Are you willfully sinning, willfully missing church services, willfully not paying your tithes, or just willfully disobeying God? He will black flag you. You say, “How will I know?” You will know by His Word. Read the rules and requirement to please God. Read the Word so that you know how to compete in the race of life.
I have always said, “if you miss heaven you will miss it all, and your life has been wasted.” At the end of your life it will be great to say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That will make you a winner.
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
What will you do for the Lord today? This is the first day of the rest of your life. Don’t waste it on things that don’t matter. Spend your time doing things that matter; things that will help you grow and mature.
Each day brings many challenges. Some are very difficult and others are very simple. However, all must be met and dealt with. Remember, these challenges are only tests. Pass the test so you can move on to the next one. Don’t keep taking the same test over and over.
Things are going to happen to you whether you are prepared or not. The secret is your attitude. It’s not what happens to you, but how you react or handle the situation. Don’t let these tests become negatives in your life. So, the first thing to understand about life is that it is only a test.
Second thing to remember is that life is short. Our stay on earth is not very long compared to eternity. Every day that you allow something to steal your joy is a wasted day. Invest your time with working, family, building good relationships, serving God and using your talents and gifts. The real goal is to come to the end of life and know it counted for something. Find a good cause that helps other people and get involved. Continue to learn and mature as a person who gives more than he receives. The world is full of takers but always short of givers and volunteers. Yes, life is short, so make it count.
Third, understand that life is personal. You are special. There are a few (very few) identical twins, but most of us are all different. Different in character, talents, likes, dislikes, speech, national backgrounds, home environment, and careers. That’s what makes everyone special. It’s personal because each life is important and has purpose. When we come to realize who we really are and what makes us tick as a human being, life takes on a whole new meaning. The sad fact of life is that many people never grow to this point in their lives.
Show me a person who loves his work and I’ll show you a happy, fulfilled person. We learn to love life; it’s not automatic. It’s the focus and influences around us that help mold us into productive people; people of purpose and character; people of integrity who may go through life unnoticed by the majority, but special never the less.
The people I am writing about know how to handle failure and disappointment as well as success. They have been tested and passed the tests. Their lives may not be easy, but by their determination and desire, they excel in whatever comes their way. These are the builders of communities and nations. They are the stability of families and churches. They are the people in the work force that give more than what is asked of them. They are accountable and reliable. They are not just survivors, but have found significance in living.
Yes, today is special and you are special. Use what you have and do what you can. That becomes the heart of our purpose for life. God has granted you time here on earth for a reason. Stay focused on the positive and avoid the negative. Seek good and avoid evil is the advice the Bible gives. Live each day as if it was your last, and plan like you will live forever. Read God’s Word daily and pray continually. Then, you will reap the right fruit.
Chaplain Bud